Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Right after the Rolls Royce departed, Alyssa's expression hardened as she punched Jasper in the chest.

"Lyse, be gentle. I don't want you to hurt yourself," Jasper cautioned her, his voice trembling from her strength.

Sean, who was in the driver's seat, stole a glance at them from the rearview mirror and stifled a laugh.

"Jasper, I have a question for you." She poked his chest and asked angrily, "Did you know about the arranged marriage between Lauren and the Hodgson son?"

His eyes wavered. Grasping her hand, he wondered, "Lyse, how did you hear about it?"

"How could you ask that question? I think half of the city has heard about it by now!" Alyssa then proceeded to relay Silas' update to Jasper.

"Damn it!" Enraged, he punched the car window. "By publicly announcing the news, the Hodgson family is pressuring Javier into finalizing the marriage."

"They're being delusional. What era are we in now? They can't possibly force Lauren to marry Freddy!" Clenching her jaw, she said, "If Lauren refuses to marry, not even the president can make her!"

"But Lauren agreed to the marriage."

"What? But why?" Alyssa and Sean gasped in unison.

"Lauren said that being with Landon was too burdensome."

remarked, "That's

Landon and Angie if she kept dating him. She

does she have to marry Freddy?" Looking skeptical, Alyssa surmised, "Has Mr. Javier pressured her? What

rasped, "I got into a fight with Javier in front of Lauren over the arranged marriage with the Hodgsons. I might

the car window. Fortunately, the solid build of the Rolls Royce was able to withstand their

from the heartache. She lamented, "Oh, Lauren. That

that Mr. Javier would hold a grudge against you and hit back at you in the future, taking away the success you had fought

support you in any way other than to risk her

Jasper, tormented by pain, shook his head. "We can't have

cussed, "Son of a bitch! I'd rather Lauren marry Cyrus than that good-for-nothing Freddy

do you think Landon stands a

Alyssa sighed softly. "Lauren and Landon might encounter more obstacles than us. Let's settle the immediate issue before

a deal, Preston's termination notice was immediately emailed to the inboxes of all company employees. The notice stated that Preston was relieved of all his roles in

had nothing to do with the Harper Group except when it came to receiving his

his friends at night to have fun and release

tipsily cursing Cornelius in his lounge after taking a few beers that tasted like wet cardboard. He accused Cornelius of being a wolf in sheep's clothing who'd sell out anyone to protect his interest. His friends had no choice but

the bigger shareholders, it was only a matter of time before Preston made his return to the Harper Group and kicked

had it that she was fucking gorgeous. Get her here to drink with me!" Preston, completely